Watch: Q&A with coach Tre Lamb on post-spring updates, transfers, and the direction of Tulsa Football

First-year Tulsa head coach Tre Lamb met with the media following the Golden Hurricane’s completion of spring practice. With a nearly overhauled roster and a clear vision for the program’s identity, Lamb emphasized the importance of establishing a new culture and empowering players to take ownership of the team’s direction.

Q: What’s your overall assessment of the program following spring practice and the spring transfer window?

Tre Lamb: I’m really proud of the work we’ve done this semester. Our staff has been relentless, and our players are wrapping up finals. We’ve made significant strides in building chemistry and energy throughout the building, and that starts with me and runs through the staff.

Q: Can you give us an update on the roster and transfer additions?

Lamb: We’ve brought in 32 transfers so far—19 in January and 13 in May—with plans to add four more, aiming for 36 total. We’ve addressed our roster needs positionally with a focus on guys who can start immediately.

Q: What positions did you prioritize in the transfer portal?

Lamb: We’ve added three RBs, five WRs, three TEs, eight OLs, six DLs, two LBs, and two corners. We’re still looking to bring in more DBs.

Q: How significant is the roster turnover compared to last year?

Lamb: If we played tomorrow, we’d have one returning starter on offense—Kirk Francis—and maybe three on defense. We’ve completely flipped the roster. Ideally, we’d only bring in about 15 transfers, but we had to address a talent deficit.

Q: How important are the weight room and player development to your rebuild?

Lamb: Critical. When we arrived, only eight guys could clean 300 pounds—now we have 45. No spring surgeries or concussions and 24 players ran over 20 MPH. What we’re doing is clearly working.

Q: You had to cancel the spring showcase. Why?

Lamb: We didn’t want our first impression with new players and transfers to be running out in the rain to 400 fans. The true debut will be special—when we face Abilene Christian in September.

Q: When you were hired, you mentioned wanting to "bring the fun back." How's that going?

Lamb: I think our players would say that’s been the biggest change. It’s still a tough, disciplined environment, but we’ve created a space they enjoy being in every day.

Q: What made Kirk Francis your starting quarterback?

Lamb: He had an unbelievable spring. It really wasn’t close. We’ll probably throw the ball 45–50 times a game, and Kirk is a great distributor. He earned it.

Q: How does that align with your past offenses that featured dual-threat QBs?

Lamb: I’ve had to adjust. Less power read, more zone schemes, some under center. Kirk won’t break one for 60 yards, but he can get you four or five when needed.

Q: Were there any surprising departures in the portal?

Lamb: The only tough one was Corey Smith, who transferred to Purdue. He was probably 4th–6th on our WR depth chart and wanted more playing time.

Q: Which May transfers are you most excited about?

Lamb: Cam East (OL, Ole Miss) and Codie Hornsby (OL, Syracuse) are potential stars. Also, WR Calvin Johnson (Northwestern), RB AJ Allen (Miami), and Dominic Richardson (New Mexico State).

Q: How do you evaluate lower-level transfers (FCS, D2)?

Lamb: Our GM Mason Behiel and his staff do a great job. They identify prospects, then coaches and coordinators evaluate. With our tech, we can filter and watch a kid quickly—it’s a fast process.

Q: What’s your take on the current RB room?

Lamb: Sevion Morrison and Braylin Presley led the way this spring. We’re adding Allen and Richardson, so we’ll have four experienced backs. You need that depth because injuries will happen.

Q: What does the next couple of months look like for your staff and team?

Lamb: Coaches are out recruiting high schools for four weeks. Meanwhile, we’re still bringing in May transfers. Players return in May for strength and conditioning. June is camp season and official visits.

Q: What impact do the facility renovations have on recruiting and team morale?

Lamb: Huge. We’re renovating the turf, player lounge, and case center. When recruits visit, they see active construction—it shows a real commitment to football, not just a promise.

Q: What’s the general reaction from portal recruits about Tulsa?

Lamb: We’re not going to beg anyone. But Tulsa offers playing time, academics, a great city, and competitive compensation. With a 3–9 record last year and a new staff, there’s opportunity here.

Q: Has anything surprised you about Tulsa since taking the job?

Lamb: The alumni presence. For a small private school, the pride and number of graduates in the community—“the Tulsa Mafia”—is incredible.

Q: How do you maintain fan engagement during the offseason?

Lamb: Staying active on social media, being accessible, and keeping a bit of that underdog vibe. We want to be responsive without being too loud. Hopefully, we sneak up on some folks this fall.

Q: With so many transfers, how do you manage potential personality clashes in the locker room?

Lamb: That’s the toughest part. You can miss on a young transfer or high school kid, but not a 5th-year guy. If they don’t like their role, it can become toxic. We talk about that constantly as a staff.